The department's deputy secretary, John McGrath, was replying to a question from David McNarry of the UUP.

BBC: Education Committee

Summer signings Jake Edwards, David Farrell, Mark Greaves and John McGrath have all also played at a higher level.

BBC: CHOOSE A SPORT

Joint chairmen of Diageo are George Bull, from GrandMet, and Tony Greener, from Guinness, while chief executive is John McGrath.

BBC: Diageo debuts as Guinness, GrandMet disappear

John McGrath said schools were beginning to realise they were facing difficulties but it was not clear if they realised the full impact over the next four years.

BBC: Education Committee

Former Down boss Peter McGrath, Mickey Moran and ex-Armagh player John Rafferty are all thought to have turned down approaches from the Antrim county board.

BBC: Coleman approached by Donegal

Mr McGrath said he thought the new minister, Sinn Fein's John O'Dowd, would try to keep the savings as far away from the classroom as possible.

BBC: Education Committee

John Rafferty was favourite to take the job earlier this week while Donal Murtagh, Eamon McEneaney and Peter McGrath had also been linked with post.

BBC: O'Rourke named as new Armagh boss